I have a 2 APC server rack PDU unit as my main timers.
There are gross overkill, but they are wired into the home network, each has it's built in web page that you can configure timers and events on. It also monitors how much power each outlet is using. This is great for figuring out how much the tank costs me. Even more fun is the fact that if the temperature or current draws get to high it will email and text message my cell phone.

As these are built for real high availability environments they have been really rock solid, but at about $500 each (not what I paid) they are killer.


BTW: can you guess what I do for a living!

I think whats killing them is the sudden large draw of power when my MH ballasts fire up. I guess I'll have to whip out my electrical tools and hardwire in some heavy duty mechanical timers. I'll check out the outdoor ones as I like the fact they are water resistant.
I never did check out these to see what kind of amperage they were rated for

I agree. My timers for my halides last about 1 to 2 years.

try to find ones that are rated for use with HID lamps, arc lamps or tungston Lamps (part number will end in T). These switches are designed to extinguish the arc when the contacts ppen as the ballast will try to maintain the circuit and arc, damaging the contacts and breaking your timer.

Where were you when I needed you, before I spent all that money :lol:

heavy duty timers
 

try talking to your local electrical supplier for hard wired industrial timers, they cost a fair bit and require some basic electrical knowledge but they are really reliable. the oly drawback is the loud smack of the cotacts when the timer turns on

How do you like it? I was looking at one today.